Female Parent Research Articles

Effectiveness of a community-based intervention in changing knowledge of and attitudes towards early marriage in The Gambia.

A study was conducted to assess the effects of a multi-component community-based project intervention on changing knowledge of, and attitudes towards early marriage for girls in The Gambia. The study involved a cross-sectional household survey of 201 male and female parents and 296 adolescent boys and girls aged 10-19. It also included two community-based focus group discussions and six key informant interviews. The study compared the project baseline and midline data in the analysis of the survey data. The findings show a significant increase from a baseline of (44.8%) to (70.7%) at midline among the parents who have the view that the girl needs to come of age (18 years) before going into marriage. At both baseline and midline, there is a fear that girls may break their virginity by indulging in premarital sex if they do not marry early. However, there was a significant decrease from (51.7%) at baseline to (10%) (p-value <0.001) in the proportion of parents who think girls must marry early to avoid premarital sex. The findings show between (2%) and (7%) increase from baseline to midline on the view among adolescent boys and girls that girls have the right to choose who to marry. Findings from the focus group discussions and key informant interviews directly linked the changes in knowledge of attitudes towards early marriage among parents and adolescents to the project intervention.

Phylogeographic analysis reveals multiple origins of the desert shrub Reaumuria songarica in northern Xinjiang, involving homoploid and tetraploid hybrids.

Hybrid speciation plays an important role in species diversification. The establishment of reproductive isolation is crucial for hybrid speciation, and the identification of diverse types of hybrids, particularly homoploid hybrid species, contributes to a comprehensive understanding of this process. Reaumuria songarica is a constructive shrub widespread in arid Central Asia. Previous studies have inferred that the R. songarica populations in the Gurbantunggut Desert (GuD) originated from homoploid hybridizations between its eastern and western lineages and may have evolved into an incipient species. To further elucidate the genetic composition of different hybrid populations and to determine the species boundary of this hybrid lineage, we investigated the overall phylogeographic structure of R. songarica based on variation patterns of five cpDNA and one nrITS sequences across 32 populations. Phylogenetic analyses demonstrated that within the GuD lineage, the Wuerhe population evolved directly from ancestral lineages, whereas the others originated from hybridizations between the eastern and western lineages. PCoA and genetic barrier analysis supported the subdivision of the GuD lineage into the southern (GuD-S) and northern (GuD-N) groups. Populations in the GuD-S group had a consistent genetic composition and the same ancestral female parent, indicating that they belonged to a homoploid hybrid lineage. However, the GuD-N group experienced genetic admixture of the eastern and western lineages on nrITS and cpDNA, with some populations inferred to be allopolyploid based on ploidy data. Based on cpDNA haplotypes, BEAST analyses showed that the GuD-S and GuD-N groups originated after 0.5 Ma. Our results suggest that multiple expansions and contractions of GuD, driven by Quaternary climatic oscillations and the Kunlun-Yellow River tectonic movement, are important causes of the complex origins of R. songarica populations in northern Xinjiang. This study highlights the complex origins of the Junggar Basin flora and the underappreciated role of hybridization in increasing its species diversity.

Reintroduction of spring‐run Chinook salmon in the San Joaquin River: Evaluating genetic and phenotypic effects of captive breeding

AbstractCaptive‐breeding programs are increasingly implemented to curb population declines but can have unintended negative effects on genetic diversity and phenotypes. Through an analysis of ~10 years of genetic monitoring, pedigree information, and phenotypic data, we evaluated a captive‐breeding program that uses adaptive management to reduce inbreeding and improve captive broodstock performance. A captive‐breeding program was established in 2012 to reintroduce spring‐run Chinook salmon to the southern edge of their range in California's San Joaquin River (SJR), using fish produced each year at the nearby Feather River Hatchery (FRH). We found that the SJR program adequately captured the genetic diversity of the FRH source population and that mate pairings guided by genetic relatedness reduced inbreeding. However, the SJR broodstock reared in captivity had smaller body size at maturity in comparison to the FRH source broodstock which matures at sea, but this effect disappeared when SJR juveniles were released from captivity to mature at sea. Phenotypic traits of SJR female parents also influenced reproductive performance; older mothers and those with smaller eggs had offspring with lower survival. These findings demonstrate that adaptive genetic monitoring and pedigree information can be powerful tools for reducing risks of captive breeding and evaluating program effectiveness.

Transcriptome Analysis Revealed the Paternal Importance to Vegetative Growth Heterosis in Populus.

Parental selection is important for heterosis formation during crossbreeding of Populus. However, in poplar hybrids, the effect of parents on vegetative growth heterosis is not well understood. In this study, one female parent (P. simonii XY4) and two male parents (P. nigra OH and P. deltoides × P. nigra BJLY3#) were used to produce two progenies (Hyb1 and Hyb2). Vegetative growth investigation showed that both Hyb1 and Hyb2 performed heterosis in plant growth and ground diameter. The vegetative growth of hybrids was strongly correlated with the male parents but not with the female parents. The gene expression levels in the hybrids were more biased toward the male parents. In Hyb1 and Hyb2, 51.93% and 45.03% of the expressed genes showed the non-additive effect, respectively, and over 65% of the non-additively expressed genes showed the dominant effect. It is noteworthy that genes of paternal expression dominant effect (ELD_♂) account for the majority of dominantly expressed genes, suggesting the paternal contribution to heterosis. KEGG enrichment analysis indicated that a large number of non-additively expressed genes were enriched in the plant hormone signal transduction pathway. WGCNA analysis showed that MEcyan was significantly correlated with the traits of hybrids, and 12 plant hormone signal transduction pathway genes were enriched in this module. Transcription factors (TFs) MYB88, LHY, and TCP4 may be involved in the regulation of these pathway genes. This finding supported that the male parents play an important role in the formation of vegetative growth heterosis of Populus. In addition, the non-additively expressed genes of the signal transduction pathway and the regulation of TFs related to these pathway genes may be one of the reasons for the generation of heterosis.

Early life stages of the snapping shrimp Alpheus cf. packardii: morphological description of the first three zoeal stages

ABSTRACT The morphology of the zoeae I, II and III of Alpheus cf. packardii was described based on laboratory-hatched larvae. Parental female was captured at Ubatuba bay, north coast of São Paulo, Brazil. The morphological characteristics of the species were compared with descriptions of other Alpheus species with known first zoeal stages. The zoea I of A. cf. packardii differs from the other 27 species through: coxal endite of maxillule with 6 (4 simple, and 2 sparsely plumose) setae; basal endite with 2 stout spines, 1 small plumose setae and 1 small simple setae; coxal endite of maxilla not bilobed, with 2 long sparsely plumose setae; basal endite bilobed, proximal lobe 2 simple and 1 sparsely plumose setae, distal lobe with 2 simple setae and 1 sparsely plumose setae, both with one terminal protuberance; second maxilliped with endopod 4-segmented, 1 terminal simple, 0, 1 terminal serrate, 5 (1 proximal and 3 terminal simple, plus 1 terminal serrate) setae. Considering the importance of the identification of larval forms in the natural environment, our results can be used in a larval identification key and help to advance research on areas such as ecological distribution of early post-embryonic stages in the meroplankton community.

CARP HATCHERY MANAGEMENT (Cyprinus carpio L.) NATURALLY AT THE PUNTEN AQUACULTURE INSTALLATION (IPB), BATU CITY, EAST JAVA

The large market demand for consumption fish makes some farming communities interested in farming, especially consumption fish farming. Fish hatchery business is the first step to the success of fish farming, because for each growing season the aquaculture business requires a supply of seeds from the hatchery business. Goldfish hatcheries are relatively easy because carp can spawn naturally or artificially. Goldfish have a relatively high fecundity or number of eggs, which ranges from 84,000-110,000 eggs per kilogram of brood. The implementation of carp hatchery techniques includes several processes, namely pond preparation, brood selection, kakaban installation, brood release, spawning, hatching eggs, larval care, checking water quality, seeding, pest and disease control. calculation of fecundity, fertilization rate (FR), hatching rate (HR), and survival rate (SR). The data collection method used in this street vendor is primary data. Primary data include active participation, observation, interviews, and documentation. The carp hatchery technique (Cyprinus carpio L.) at IPB Punten, Batu City is carried out naturally, the carp mother used comes from Punten using a ratio of male to female parents of 1: 3. The feeding method, namely Blind Feeding, obtained an F value of 40,000 eggs, FR 84%, HR 84.5% and SR 90.2%.

Sex Differences and Parent-Teacher Discrepancies in Reports of Autism Traits: Evidence for Camouflaging in a School Setting.

The purpose of this study was to examine sex differences and informant discrepancies in parent- and teacher-reports of autism traits. Data were drawn from the Simons Simplex Collection to create a sex-matched sample of autistic youth (N = 388; 4-17years). Included participants had both parent and teacher reports of autistic traits from the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS). Within each sex group, parent and teacher raw SRS scores were compared. Scores within each informant group (parent/teacher) was assessed for sex differences. Predictors of parent-teacher discrepancies were examined. Despite no sex differences in parent-reported autistic traits, teachers reported males as having more autistic traits compared to females. Parents of females reported significantly more autistic traits than teachers across multiple domains. Being older and female were significant predictors of increased parent-teacher discrepancy for multiple domains. These results suggest discrepancies between the observed autistic traits for females at home and school and builds on the growing body of literature highlighting potential camouflaging across development in autistic youth: parent-teacher discrepancies may reflect ways that autistic females are overlooked by teachers due to conscious changes in behavior or gender-based expectations of female characteristics. Discussion of discrepancies on an individual basis may therefore alleviate potential long-term consequences of camouflaging.

Seasonal life cycle of Pintomyia longiflocosa (Diptera: Psychodidae) under semi-controlled conditions in the Huila state, Colombia.

Pintomyia longiflocosa is considered a vector of etiological agents of cutaneous leishmaniasis. The objective of this research was to establish the parameters of the life cycle of Pi. longiflocosa in semi-controlled conditions in a rural area of the Campoalegre municipality, Huila, Colombia. The life cycle of individuals of Pi. longiflocosa, obtained from two cohorts of collected, fed, and individualized females, was monitored during two different times of the year (between February and August 2020 and between July 2020 and January 2021, respectively). Determining parameters associated with the fertility and fecundity, time and attributes of development and survival, and its association with abiotic variables. The average duration of Cycle 1 (C1) and Cycle 2 (C2) was 134.9 and 148.78 days, respectively. The gonotrophic cycle of parental females presented significant differences (p-value <0.05) between C1 and C2 (8.47 and 11.42 days) as well as between fecundity and fertility parameters. The number of days it takes the development of the immature stages between the two cycles studied, also showed significant differences in the larvae II (15.21 and 22.23), larvae III (11.93 and 17.56), and pupae (24.48 and 22.9) stages. During C1, the survival rate was higher and consistent with the productivity of adult individuals (F1), compared to C2. Fecundity and fertility values were significantly higher in C2. Finally, a significant correlation between the number of individuals and temperature was evidenced in C1 while, for C2, there was a negative correlation with precipitation. Significant differences were found in several biological and reproductive parameters between the two cycles monitored. The parameters of the life cycle of Pi. longiflocosa in its natural habitat would be influenced by environmental factors related to the annual seasonality in the sub-Andean rural area, conditioning the temporal distribution of this species and, consequently, the possible transmission of causative agents of cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Heat or Eat: Exploring the Impact of the Cost-Of-Living Crisis on Single parents’ Mental Wellbeing in the United Kingdom

ABSTRACT The cost-of-living crisis in the United Kingdom has profoundly affected the mental wellbeing of single parents, compounding economic and psychosocial challenges. This study, through semi-structured online interviews with four female single parents, used thematic analysis to explore how financial burdens, mood fluctuations, sacrifices for children’s needs, and intensified social isolation impacted their mental health. The application of Social Identity Theory demonstrates the exacerbating effects of societal stigmas. The results highlight the need for targeted policies and interventions to alleviate these strains and recommend further research into the intersectionality of gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status among single parents.

Challenges faced by parents in managing distance learning for preschool children in the Republic of Kosovo

The closure of educational institutions due to preventive measures against the spread of COVID-19 has hurt the management of pre-primary school children by parents. This research has identified the challenges that have hurt the parents of preschool children, so that in the future this research will serve as an aid in managing distance learning, both for parents and preschool children aged 5-6. Data for this research were collected through electronic questionnaires conducted with 240 parents from 12 municipalities of the Republic of Kosovo, dividing them by gender (female and male). The study was conducted at the end of 2021 when the children had started returning to school. The results have convincingly shown that parents of preschool children have not been satisfied with distance learning. The research however reveals that female parents accept the new way of organizing distance learning more easily than male parents. In this case, the support of educators has helped parents alleviate their stress while organizing distance learning. The study has evidenced that in cases where there is good cooperation between parents and educators, good results can also be expected. Keywords: Distance learning; pandemic; technology; parent; preschoolers

Chromosome-level genome assembly of Hippophae rhamnoides variety

Fructus hippophae (Hippophae rhamnoides spp. mongolica×Hippophae rhamnoides sinensis), a hybrid variety of sea buckthorn that Hippophae rhamnoides spp. mongolica serves as the female parent and Hippophae rhamnoidessinensis serves as the male parent, is a traditional plant with great potentials of economic and medical values. Herein, we gained a chromosome-level genome of Fructus hippophae about 918.59 Mb, with the scaffolds N50 reaching 83.65 Mb. Then, we anchored 440 contigs with 97.17% of the total genome sequences onto 12 pseudochromosomes. Next, de-novo, homology and transcriptome assembly strategies were adopted for gene structure prediction. This predicted 36475 protein-coding genes, of which 36226 genes could be functionally annotated. Simultaneously, various strategies were used for quality assessment, both the complete BUSCO value (98.80%) and the mapping rate indicated the high assembly quality. Repetitive elements, which occupied 63.68% of the genome, and 1483600 bp of non-coding RNA were annotated. Here, we provide genomic information on female plants of a popular variety, which can provide data for pan-genomic construction of sea buckthorn and for the resolution of the mechanism of sex differentiation.

Genetic Study and Temporal Dynamics of the Reaction to Ascochyta rabiei Epidemic in Improved Lines and Cultivars of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

ABSTRACTAscochyta blight is the most devastating worldwide disease of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). It is caused by Ascochyta rabiei (teleomorph: Didymella rabiei) an airborne pathogenic fungus which is common in rainy climates and warm temperatures. Despite the efforts deployed by genetic improvement to develop highly resistant varieties, a total resistance to Ascochyta blight is lacking in chickpea. From 2015 to 2019 season, a study was carried out to develop highly resistant lines at the experimental station of the National Agronomical Institute of Tunis (INAT).In this genetic program, four crosses were realized: Nour x ILC154986, Nour x ILC154445, Béja1x ILC155064, and Béja1x ILC154449. Nour and Béja1 varieties were respectively tolerant and susceptible to Ascochyta blight and were used as female parents. The genetic study showed a total of six genes controlling the resistance to Ascochyta blight. The disease progress was analyzed under inoculation in the field on seven dates, and the plant infection rate r was recorded on the parental cultivars and the lines developed from crosses. The temporal progress of the disease was studied by using statistical and mathematical tools. A logistic model was tested and then applied to describe the Ascochyta rabiei progress over time in the field. The fitting adequacy of the logistic model was estimated by the determination coefficient R2 which value exceeded 0.98 and justified this selection. The logistic curves analysis showed a slow blighting and an infection progress decrease of lines issued from Béja1 x desi1 and Nour x Kabuli1 crosses. These lines obtained by transgressive segregation in the Nour x Kabuli1 and Beja1 x Desi2 populations can develop a stable resistance and prevent its overcoming.

Green and chemical synthesis of CuO nanoparticles: comparative reproductive toxicity evaluation at various phases and in offsprings

Metallic nanoparticles (NPs) are used in various biomedical applications due to their widespread utility. This study compares the reproductive toxicity of chemically synthesized CuO NPs (ChemSyn CuO NPs) and green synthesized CuO NPs (GrSyn CuO NPs) in rats and their offspring during mating, pregnancy, and lactation phases. CuO NPs were synthesized using Rhus punjabensis extract and their physio-morphological characteristics were illustrated. Both approaches showed pure and spherical NPs with an average size of 14.94 ± 0.6 and 19.02 ± 0.9 nm. Orally administered NPs at a dose of 100 mg kg−1 body weight of ChemSyn NPs reduced peroxidase activity by 38% and glutathione levels by 36%. In female rats treated with ChemSyn NPs, TBARS were increased by 11%, and total protein increased by 54%. The offspring did not show notable differences in their antioxidant status, but reactive substances in female offspring increased by 32%, and total protein content decreased by 57%. Genotoxicity of 2.72% and 1.9% tail DNA was observed in male and female pups, respectively. Testosterone levels were reduced in male parents, and progesterone concentration increased in female parents in a dose-dependent manner. In contrast, GrSyn NPs were more biocompatible, and thyroid hormones in the parents showed less variation. No obvious alterations were observed in the histological patterns of the gonads. These findings indicate that GrSyn NPs can be explored as drug carriers and contrast agents in vivo.

SONA SUPER BASMATI: A NEW EXTRA-LONG GRAIN HIGH YIELDING RICE VARIETY WITH EXCELLENT COOKING QUALITY

Abstract Rice crop feeds about half of the world’s population which is getting larger and hungrier with every tick of the clock. Basmati rice being a geographical speciality of Pakistan is widely proclaimed as one of the finest rice available throughout the world due to its unique aroma, taste, and texture. Changing consumer behavior and preferences for basmati rice i.e., extra-long grain length along with excellent cooking quality, reiterates the revitalization of rice breeding objectives to develop suitable basmati rice varieties. In this context, plant breeders at Rice Research Institute, Kala Shah Kaku identified a suitable transgressive segregant from F2 segregating population of a cross (PK 10436) between the famous basmati rice variety “Basmati 515” (female parent) and 99417 (male parent). The initial cross of PK 10436-4-2 was accomplished during Kharif, 2010 followed by its rigorous selection and purification in succeeding generations through the pedigree method till F4 generation in Kharif, 2014. After its development, PK 10436-4-2 was evaluated in Station Yield Trials (Kharif, 2016 - 2019) for various yields and its attributing traits in which it gave a cumulative 31.37 % yield advantage over the check variety (Super Basmati). Meanwhile, multi-locational yield evaluation was accomplished in Micro-plot Yield Trials and National Uniform Yield Trials for two consecutive years (Kharif, 2020 - 2021) at various locations across Pakistan; in which, PK 10436-4-2 out-yielded the check variety by 17.50 % and 19.75 % respectively. In addition to superior yield indices, PK 10436-4-2 showed excellent cooking quality i.e., extra-long grain length (AGL = 9.5 mm; CGL = 17.5 mm), with strong aroma. The aforementioned superior credentials of this candidate line led to its approval for general cultivation as “Sona Super Basmati” in the 56th meeting of the Punjab Seed Council, Punjab, Pakistan. In the future, prospects of cultivating Sona Super Basmati could create new vistas not only in local rice consumption but also in the basmati rice export of Pakistan.

Maternal effects, reciprocal differences and combining ability study for yield and its component traits in maize (Zea mays L.) through modified diallel analysis.

Combining ability status of the inbred lines is crucial information for hybrid breeding program. Diallel or line × tester mating designs are frequently used to evaluate the combining ability. In the current study a modified diallel model was used, wherein the Griffing's combining ability effects were further partitioned to understand the effects due to maternal and reciprocal. To do this, eight parental lines of maize were crossed in full diallel method and the generated hybrids along with parents were phenotyped. The field data on the quantitative traits was analyzed using both Griffing's and the modified model to determine how well the parents' and the F1 hybrids combined. For each of the traits, a sizable reciprocal and maternal variance was observed. The number of kernel rows per cob variable had a ratio of additive variance to dominance variance greater than one. All other traits including grain yield had a ratio close to zero, suggesting that non-additive gene action was primarily responsible for the genetic control of most of the traits. The narrow sense heritability was low to moderate for majority of the variables, except for number of kernel rows per cob. With the help of the improved model, it was possible to choose superior parents and cross-parent pairings with accuracy. Based on the modified general combining ability effects and maternal effects, the parental line P5 was recognized as a potential female parent and P7 as a good male parent for grain yield and yield-attributing characteristics. The cross combination of P8×P1 had the highest specific combining ability effect on grain yield. P5×P6 cross had the highest reciprocal effect. The correlation analysis implies that the Griffing's general combining ability effects and specific combining ability effects were found to be less efficient in predicting F1 performance as compared to the modified model.

Natural Spawning Breeding Techniques Analysis of Carp (Cyprinus carpio) in the Fish Seed Center (BBI) Bolangan, Tabanan, Bali

Carp (Cyprinus carpio) is a freshwater fish species with a high tolerance to various environmental conditions. The present study aimed to analyze the seeding process of carp using a natural spawning method at the Fish Seed Center (BBI) Bolangan, Tabanan, Bali. The descriptive analysis had been used to analyze of the data collected through active participation, observation, and interviews. The carp natural spawning techniques at BBI Bolangan were conducted in an earthen pond. The breeding techniques include pond preparation, brood stock selections, fish spawning, larvae or seed maintenance, water quality control, disease control, and fish harvesting. Male and female parents in a 2:1 ratio were required for effective breeding. This natural hatching system produced up to 100806 eggs with a hatching rate of 74.4%, yielding 75000 larvae per female parent. After a week of care, the larvae have a 30% survival rate and are ready for cultivation in the following section (nursery II). We conclude that the Carp (Cyprinus carpio) breeding techniques at the Fish Seed Center (BBI) Bolangan, Tabanan, Bali are technically sound and feasible to apply.

Study on hormone induction of the male parent and embryonic development, gonad differentiation, and growth of “All-female No.1” Culteralburnus

Female Culter alburnus was faster in growth rate than males. In this study, the gynogenetic G2 and the pseudo-male G2' were used as the female and male parents, respectively, to breed a new national variety “All-female No.1” C. alburnus (AFC). Hormone induction, embryonic development, gonadal differentiation, and growth of AFC were studied. The results showed induction with low concentrations of 17α-methyltestosterone in a indoor-net cage culture was not effective. Under the stimulation of 17α-methyltestosterone, some gonads had a tendency to transform into testis, but not completely. There were three types of gonads in 5-month-old and four types of gonads in 12-month-old fishes, however, they all differentiated into ovaries in 15-month-old fishes. Testosterone propionate and high concentrations of 17α-methyltestosterone in pond culture induction had a good effect resulting in ①a functional pseudo-male with normal testis development that could successfully extrude semen during the breeding period, ②a pseudo-male with normal testis development, but could not extrude semen, and ③the appearance of intersexual glands. The second experiment revealed that with common fish, all-female fish embryo had normal embryonic development. The development time and morphological characteristics of each stage were similar, but the development of the all-female embryo was slightly slower than the common embryos. The gonad differentiation of the all-female embryo were normal and none differentiated into testis, which indicated that all-female could ensure the female sex without affecting the normal gonad differentiation. The correlation between body weight, length, and month-age of all-female and common fish was strong. The all-female had faster growth rate and more uniform growth specification than the common fish. Therefore, the use of testosterone propionate and high concentrations of 17α-methyltestosterone in pond culture induction could avoid complete degeneration of gonads into ovaries. The all-female embryo had the advantages of normal embryonic development and gonadal differentiation, faster growth, and uniform growth specification.

Identification, Elucidation and Deployment of a Cytoplasmic Male Sterility System for Hybrid Potato.

Recent advances in diploid F1 hybrid potato breeding rely on the production of inbred lines using the S-locus inhibitor (Sli) gene. As a result of this method, female parent lines are self-fertile and require emasculation before hybrid seed production. The resulting F1 hybrids are self-fertile as well and produce many undesirable berries in the field. Utilization of cytoplasmic male sterility would eliminate the need for emasculation, resulting in more efficient hybrid seed production and male sterile F1 hybrids. We observed plants that completely lacked anthers in an F2 population derived from an interspecific cross between diploid S. tuberosum and S. microdontum. We studied the antherless trait to determine its suitability for use in hybrid potato breeding. We mapped the causal locus to the short arm of Chromosome 6, developed KASP markers for the antherless (al) locus and introduced it into lines with T and A cytoplasm. We found that antherless type male sterility is not expressed in T and A cytoplasm, proving that it is a form of CMS. We hybridized male sterile al/al plants with P cytoplasm with pollen from al/al plants with T and A cytoplasm and we show that the resulting hybrids set significantly fewer berries in the field. Here, we show that the antherless CMS system can be readily deployed in diploid F1 hybrid potato breeding to improve hybridization efficiency and reduce berry set in the field.

Awareness and Attitudes Among Parents of Females Aged 9-26 in Saudi Arabia Regarding Human Papillomavirus Vaccination.

Background Most cases of cervical cancer are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, which can be prevented by vaccination. The HPV vaccine received approval in Saudi Arabia in 2010. Objectives This study aimed to examine the awareness and attitudes toward the HPV vaccine among parents of females aged 9-26 in Saudi Arabia and explore factors contributing to hesitancy or acceptance. Methods Conducted from November 2022 to June 2023 in Saudi Arabia, this cross-sectional study surveyed parents of females aged 9-26 using a self-administered questionnaire. Data collected included parental demographics, maternal vaccination status, awareness of the HPV vaccine, and attitudes toward it. Results Out of 551 participants, 445 (82.4%) were mothers. Most participants (331; 69.1%) had attained a university education, and approximately half (315; 57.2%) were employed. A total of 339 (61.5%) were aware of the HPV vaccine, 256 (46.5%) knew of its connection to cervical cancer, and 296 (53.7%) understood its preventive role. Among them, 230 participants demonstrated a good level of awareness, while 321 had a poor level. The majority (377; 68.4%) intended to vaccinate their daughters. Reasons for hesitancy among those unwilling included lack of awareness (234; 42.5%), insufficient information (206; 37.4%), fear of vaccines and needles (203; 36.8%), and conflicting medical opinions (165; 29.9%). Conclusion The current level of awareness regarding HPV vaccines within the general population is deemed satisfactory, with the majority expressing intent to vaccinate their daughters. Ongoing efforts are warranted to enhance awareness further, particularly by leveraging social media platforms and the expertise of trusted physicians and healthcare authorities. These endeavors are crucial for mitigating the preventable impact of HPV infection. Additionally, it is imperative to sustain immunization programs for HPV vaccines, ensuring streamlined vaccine administration.

Inequality in Parent Involvement in Children's Education During Covid-19

&lt;p style="text-align:justify"&gt;&lt;span style="font-size:9.0pt"&gt;This study used the COVID Social Mobility and Opportunities (COSMO) Study to examine home learning and parent attitudes to education during Covid-19 in relation to demographic and household financial circumstances and parent educational aspirations. The findings showed that White, female, and degree-educated parents were more likely than their counterparts to report positive attitudes to home learning, support their 16-year-olds’ learning, and contact schools during the lockdowns. Parents who experienced food poverty and reported being financially worse off after the pandemic were less likely to support home learning or contact schools but reported largely positive attitudes to learning. Also, parents who reported lower educational aspirations were more likely to support their children’s learning, reflecting their educational needs. This study contributes to our understanding of home learning during the pandemic and has implications for public policy and action regarding supporting children’s learning during health crises and reducing education inequalities.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;